Interview

The interview is your "in-person application." Before the interview, decided how to explain your interest in the job. During the interview, dress professionally and be respectful, polite, and confident in your abilities.

2. Consider your attitude and your knowledge.

Remember that a potential employer will consider your attitude and your knowledge in addition to your prior work experience.

3. Review your application and résumé.

Review your application and résumé; you do not want to appear unfamiliar with items that YOU wrote and submitted!

4. Get names and contact information.

Get the names and contact information of the people who interviewed you so that you can send them a thank-you note for the opportunity.

5. Use the Block Center's software and the Library's online databases.

Use the Library's JobNow[7] online database to learn more about interviewing. Job & Career Accelerator includes a section with tips on preparing for interviews, common interview questions, and suggestions of what to do after an interview. JobNow offers live online help and resources for job interviewing. It also includes an Adult Learning Center providing live online help with the GED exam, using Microsoft Office, writing skills improvement, and other topics. The Block Center computers also offer the software WinWay Resumé, which includes several video modules that demonstrate good interviewing techniques. Ask one of the librarians in the Block Center for assistance in using any of these resources.

6. A few more suggestions (from Goodwill Kansas City):

DO:

Research the company or organization thoroughly before the interview.

Dress professionally- a little better than you would working on the job itself. For men: Wear dress pants, a dress shirt, and dress shoes. For some interviews, you will also need to wear a coat and tie, or perhaps a suit. Wear dark conservative colors, leave jewelry at home, and shine those shoes! For women: Wear a dress or pantsuit. Avoid flashy jewelry or strong perfume. For both: Be well-groomed- and this includes fingernails!

Bring several copies of your resumé, the job posting, and paper and a pen to take a few notes during the interview.

Arrive a few minutes early, but not too early.

Think before you answer a question, and provide short, direct answers. Have prepared answers to standard questions, and practice the answers. Long answers can lead you quickly into Interview Netherland.

Have a few questions ready to ask after you have answered the interviewer's questions.

Thank the interviewer(s) for his/her time.

Mail a thank-you note the same day. But if a quick decision is expected, e-mail a thank-you. Reiterate your qualifications, and comment on those which you did not mention in the interview.

DON'T:

Bring up salary.

Be too friendly and act too desperate for the job. It's better to be professional. There's a difference!

Help at the Library

For still more help with job interviews, look over these books available at Kansas City Public Library. Search the Library's catalog[8] under the subject heading "Employment interviewing."